| How do you become a freelance writer for a local newspaper?

How do you become a freelance writer for a local newspaper?

boz4425 asked:


What’s the best way to become a freelance writer for a newspaper?

What kind of subject are best to write about?

How do you submit work?

I’m in college and want to be a journalist but have never done any writing except for school papers. I have yet to take classes on it since I can only take night classes right now. But - until I can, I’d like to get some experience under my belt.

I’m a little nervous though - I know I can write well but I’m not sure what is considered good and interesting material. I always criticize my work and figure no one would want to read it.

Any advice on any of this would be greatly appreciated.
And for the colored cartoon kid down below - I have a job thank you very much and a damn good one. I even write for my college newspaper on occasion when I have time. I asked about FREELANCE - not to be hired.

How about trying to figure out English first and you might have understood the question.

Related posts:

  1. How do you become a freelance writer for a newspaper? boz4425 asked: What’s the best way to become a freelance...
  2. Where can I find a bio and picture of a freelance writer A.G. Basoli a staff writer at Coulmbia Journ review? rhonda_shirley asked: Is an Italian journalist who publishes a lot...
  3. How to prepare for a newspaper interview? hardoon asked: On a whim, I responded to a recent...
  4. What should i do next to further my music career? iammegaawesome asked: Ok, so im seventeen and currently in my...
  5. I have a day job but am trying to get more into freelance writing. I’ve been out of the loop, any suggestions crackers asked: Just looking for some Internet resources, possible gigs,...

Filed Under Media & Journalism |

Tagged With , ,

Comments

4 Responses to “How do you become a freelance writer for a local newspaper?”

  1. answergeek on March 22nd, 2009 10:12 pm

    well newspapers only high journalists with a qualification so you cannot turn up and go gugu gaga iu am still in my nappies can i have a job!

  2. Charley on March 25th, 2009 4:51 am

    I think the fact that you write stories for your college paper is a good start. Perhaps you could write a human interest story and send it to papers to see if they have any tips. Write about what ever the news of the time is. Blue tongue interests many people at the moment, but may not be what your readers want. Have a look at this link and see if this story is something you would like to research more,for practice, or to send on as an example of your work. If you dig deep enough you would find really serious political and personal issues involved.
    My e.mail is open for further info.

  3. FairyBlessed on March 27th, 2009 4:03 pm

    If you go freelance, you don’t work for one particular newspaper, you work for whoever will pay you for your story or photos.

    Write an account of local events, then ask people including some who who were present at the event, to read the articles for accuracy, humour, and interest value.
    And listen to the critcism.

    If you can keep your stories accurate, you will be doing better than a lot of journalists.

  4. lilopinion99 on March 27th, 2009 9:42 pm

    First, make a portfolio with some of your articles so you can show papers when you apply. Basically, from what professors have said, you can go into a newspaper (probably with an appointment) and speak with an editor, telling them you are interested in free-lance writing. Most editors will be thrilled to have a free-lancer my professor said, so give it a shot.
    My friend did that in high school and got a column in the local paper!